Summary

The short story “Scene from Girlhood” by Kara Lark is about two cousins, Melanie and Samantha. They have just finished eighth grade. On the last day of school, they run outside to play.

By the river, the girls see a rattlesnake. Samantha freezes in fear, but Melanie says it is dead and makes fun of Samantha for not realizing it. This upsets Samantha.

Samantha does not like that Melanie always want...